Actor Josh Brolin expressed that he isn’t particularly concerned about President Donald Trump possibly refusing to leave office in 2029. He describes Trump as a “marketing genius,” citing their friendship before Trump’s presidency.
In a conversation with independent, Brolin mentioned that his perspective on Trump differs from many in Hollywood since he was a friend prior to Trump’s first presidential campaign.
Brolin stated, “I’m not scared of Trump, because even if he claims he’ll stay forever, that’s just not going to happen. If it does, I’ll handle it when it comes. But I know another side of him because we were friends before he became president.”
Brolin recalled meeting Trump in 2010 while the then-president-elect was set to make a cameo in Oliver Stone’s film, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. Although Trump was on set, his scene was ultimately cut from the film.
The actor acknowledged Trump’s architectural skills during his real estate career and reflected on Trump’s $400 million hotel project, calling it intriguing how it emerged in the late ’70s amid a challenging urban environment.
However, he believes Trump has overstepped boundaries in his quest for power. “Electricity is now unmitigated and unregulated,” he commented.
Still, Brolin maintains that Trump possesses significant marketing acumen. He stated, “There’s no greater genius in marketing than him. He senses the weaknesses of people and caters to them. That’s why many see him as some sort of mascot.”
He wrapped up by saying, “This isn’t solely about Trump; it’s about the public’s desire for validation.”
Furthermore, Brolin cautioned against linking his recent role as Monsignor Wicks—who preaches animosity under the guise of religious fervor—to Trump. In the latest installment of the Glass Onion series, titled Wake Up Dead Man, he emphasized that Wicks’ hateful character isn’t inspired by Trump.
“You could twist it and say it stems from Trump-like greed, but that’s not the case,” Brolin noted. “Once Wicks feels a sense of power, he has no limits.”
